Anker PowerCore+ 10050 Review

Summary:

Anker incorporates Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology in both the input and the output of the PowerCore+ 10050, allowing compatible phones to charge at top speed and allowing the power bank itself to recharge in about 3 hours instead of 12. As usual, Anker's PowerIQ technology performs very well and delivers the correct amperage to varying device requirements.

No one likes sitting around waiting for their phone to charge. Anker’s power banks have allowed us to charge on-the-go for year, but now Anker’s incorporating Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology that charges devices (and the Anker PowerCore+ 10050 power bank itself) even faster.

PROs

What’s new with “PowerCore”? Anker’s new PowerCore line of external batteries feature new Panasonic battery cells and a matte finish (as compared to the shiny finish on the Astro line). They also feature “VoltageBoost” to send a more stable current through your charging cable.

What’s new with “PowerCore+ (plus)”? The PowerCore+ features the ability to recharge the power bank itself with a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 charger, which is not included with this unit. However, if you have a Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger, you can recharge the 10050mAh capacity in about 3-4 hours. For comparison, using a normal computer USB port to recharge this unit could take 12 hours or more to recharge the unit. A tablet charger (2 amps) could charge this power bank in 6 hours. This particular model also supplies a Quick Charge 2.0 charge to compatible devices (typically found in newer Android phones). But please note that not every PowerCore+ power bank from Anker supports a Quick Charge 2.0 output, but the 10050 does.

10,050mAh capacity: This Anker unit packs a lot of power. 10,050mAh is enough to recharge an iPhone about 4 times and an iPad about 1 time. This makes the unit great to have on hand when you’re traveling and won’t have access to a power outlet for a couple days.

Compact size: The PowerCore+ 10050 is sleek and has a smooth, matte finish. It’s not a fingerprint-magnet like some of Anker’s earlier power banks (such as the Astro line). While it may be too big for your pocket, it fits nicely in a backpack or laptop bag.

PowerIQ: This smart identification technology from Anker means that the unit can adapt to basically any device you plug it into it. In my video, you can see that the PowerIQ port provides 1 amp to my iPhone 5S, which is the maximum it can handle. I then use the same port with my iPad Air 2 and the Anker unit adapts, providing the 2 amp charge that my iPad needs to fast charge.

2 amp input: This Anker unit has a 2 amp input, so if you don’t have a Quick Charge 2.0 charger, you can still charge this unit in about 6 hours by using a tablet’s charging brick on a “smart” charger that can supply 2 amps of power.

Charge gauge: Tapping the power button and a ring around the button lights up to indicate the remaining capacity of the Anker unit. This makes it easy to see if you need to charge the unit before your next trip.

18-month warranty: I used Anker’s customer service one time in the past when I had an issue with a charger and they were friendly and efficient.

CONs

AC charger not included: This is typical with most power banks, but I thought I would point out that there is no AC charger included with this unit.

Anker’s known for their high quality power banks, and the new PowerCore+ line from Anker is no exception. The solid construction and powerful performance in this PowerCore+ unit is great for keeping your gadgets charged while you’re on the go.